Special mahila sabhas in Rajasthan on Nov 19

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government will convene special `mahila sabhas` on the occasion of former PM Indira Gandhi`s birth anniversary on November 19 to constitute similar units in all gram panchayats of the state.

The special meeting would be held in all 9177 gram panchayats of the state in which resolutions to constitute mahila sabhas in respective panchayats will be passed.

"All the gram panchayats will pass resolution for the proposed formation of mahila sabhas. After that, mahila sabhas will be conducted regularly which would be another step for women empowerment," sources said.

Directions in this regard have been issued to all the district collectors and CEOs of Zila Parishads, they said.

The special mahila sabha on November 19 in all the panchayats will have a seven-point agenda to discuss action against atrocities and sexual harassment, gender justice, female foeticide, health, education, awareness about the government schemes for girls and women, hygiene and sanitation among others.

"It is observed that many women hesitate to speak on their issues in gram panchayat meetings due to the presence of men so `mahila sabha` would prove an effective tool for them to discuss and raise their issues," he added.